SBA & California High Speed Rail Authority to Sign Alliance

Expanded Partnership Will Increase Valley Small Business Participation in High Speed Rail Construction

Fresno, CA – The U.S. Small Business Administration and California High Speed Rail Authority will sign a strategic alliance on Friday, April 12, in Fresno outlining expanded outreach and marketing in support of small businesses utilization for High Speed Rail work. The agreement will be signed at 11:20 am during the Latina Womens’ Conference at the Fresno Radisson Hotel by SBA Regional Administrator, Elizabeth Echols and Robert Padilla, Small Business Advocate of the High Speed Rail Authority.

30% of the estimated $65 million in High Speed Rail construction projects are set aside for small, minority, and disadvantaged businesses. The strategic alliance outlines the support both SBA and the High Speed Rail Authority will provide to California small businesses to prepare them for this opportunity.

“It gives me great pleasure to sign this collaboration in support of small business in Fresno which is at the center of the first phase of High Speed Rail construction,” said Echols. “Noting the importance that the first phase has to creating over 100,000 construction related jobs each year the rail system is being built; SBA wants to ensure small business participation throughout California.”

The High Speed Rail Authority and SBA have planned several upcoming training events for Valley small businesses to prepare them for High Speed Rail contracting opportunities including events in Merced, Fresno, Santa Ana and Oakland this month. The strategic alliance is designed with the purpose of developing and fostering mutual understanding and a working relationship, in order to strengthen and expand the rail initiative.

“The Authority appreciates the assistance SBA has already provided in outreach,” said Robert Padilla, California High Speed Rail Small Business Advocate. “The Authority also looks forward to this expanded outreach with all six California SBA district offices.”